Watch Consultancy

About Watch Consultancy

Founded by Thomas Watts, TAW Consultancy is the professional arm of the highly respected Watts On Watches brand offering specialist horological expertise to auction houses, jewellers, vintage organisations, production companies, and the creative industries.

With over a decade of hands-on experience in the watch industry, we have developed a deep understanding of both modern and vintage wristwatches.

My career began at the age of 16, and since then I’ve worked across all levels of the market, from sourcing and selling to authenticating, valuing, and advising on six-figure vintage timepieces.

In 2021, we launched Watts On Watches, now one of the UK’s leading destinations for vintage and luxury watches. Built on the principles of trust, enthusiasm, and expertise, it quickly became a favourite among collectors and first-time buyers alike. TAW Consultancy was created as a natural extension of that mission, to share our knowledge with professionals who need a reliable, experienced voice in a niche, complex market.

Whether it’s helping an auction house catalogue a consignment, guiding a fashion team on period styling, or uncovering hidden value in a bulk estate clearance, our work is grounded in accuracy, discretion, and a passion for detail.

"I built Watts On Watches to be the kind of company I dreamed about as a young collector, one built on passion, trust, and true expertise. TAW Consultancy is how I share that vision beyond the collector world and into the professional space."
Thomas Watts, Founder

What Do We Do?

At TAW Consultancy, we provide specialist watch expertise to auction houses, jewellers, estate organisations, and creative industries. From authenticating and valuing vintage wristwatches to advising on period-correct pieces for film, TV, and fashion, we offer professional, detail-driven support where accuracy and trust are essential. Whether assessing a single item or a bulk consignment, curating a collection, or enhancing a catalogue, our services are built on over a decade of hands-on industry experience. We work flexibly on-site or remotely and tailor each consultation to your specific needs.

  • I offer a bespoke consultancy service tailored specifically to the needs of auction houses, from independent regional auctioneers to established names in the UK and beyond.

    Watches are often among the most valuable and misunderstood items in an estate or private collection. My goal is to enhance accuracy, maximise final sale values, and ensure that each piece is presented and positioned to attract serious bidders — whether in a local sale or a high-profile catalogue.

    Authentication & Verification

    • Detailed inspections to confirm authenticity

    • Identification of replacement parts, refinished dials, or incorrect movements

    • Detection of re-cased or franken-watches

    • Verification of limited editions, reference numbers, and provenance claims

    Valuation & Reserve Setting

    • Accurate, market-aware appraisals for pre-sale estimation

    • Guidance on reserve prices that align with both seller expectations and current trends

    • Advice on best timing and platforms for sale based on demand cycles.

    Catalogue & Lot Description Support

    • Professionally written watch descriptions for catalogues and online listings

    • Inclusion of historical, brand, and technical context to elevate interest and buyer trust

    • Photography direction for showcasing key features (case condition, movement, dial details)

    On-Site & Remote Support

    • Flexible consultation available in person, via video, or through secure shipping of items

    • Discreet service to support private collections, large estates, or high-value consignments

    • Partnership with your in-house team or available as an independent external expert

    Staff Training & Onboarding

    • In-house training sessions for auction staff to improve watch identification skills

    • Guidance on red flags, brand hallmarks, and basics of condition grading

    • Onboarding advice for auction houses looking to expand into the watch category

  • I work with vintage and estate-focused organisations that regularly handle bulk consignments, house clearances, or mixed collections — helping them identify, assess, and extract value from vintage wristwatches that may otherwise be overlooked or under appreciated.

    Watches often go unnoticed among jewellery, bric-a-brac, or fashion items — yet a single piece can significantly impact the overall value of a consignment. My consultancy ensures your business never misses a high-value opportunity again.

    Bulk Lot Assessment & Sorting

    • Hands-on sorting of mixed watch consignments

    • Identification of pieces with hidden or overlooked value

    • Brand recognition and rapid organisation: Rolex, Omega, Longines, Heuer, Seiko, etc.

    • Flagging of serviceable, scrap, or counterfeit items

    Valuation & Disposal Guidance

    • Fair-market appraisals based on condition, age, and brand

    • Advice on whether to resell, recycle, repair, or consign to auction

    • Transparent reporting for you and your clients, helping you make informed decisions

    • Connections to vetted resale platforms or watch dealers where appropriate

    Staff Training & Development

    • Education sessions for your team on how to identify valuable watches

    • Visual guides and red flag indicators for daily use

    • Confidence-building for frontline staff who triage incoming items

    Flexible Support

    • One-off consultations or ongoing monthly retainers

    • Remote photo-based evaluations or in-person sorting available

    • Scalable services for growing operations

    Why It Matters
    Watches are increasingly valuable, but the true worth often lies in the detail — a rare dial variant, a small brand with cult following, or a mechanical movement hiding behind a modest case. I bring a trained eye and a decade of professional experience to help your team find these hidden gems.

  • Film & Television Consultancy & Watch Supply

    I work closely with production companies, prop departments, and costume designers to supply period-correct vintage wristwatches for film and television — ensuring every timepiece reflects the era, status, and personality of the character wearing it.

    Whether the scene calls for a 1940s military-issued chronograph or a 1980s Wall Street gold Rolex, I provide historically accurate and visually compelling timepieces to support your production’s authenticity and detail.

    Era-Accurate Sourcing

    • Handpicked vintage watches aligned with the decade, cultural setting, and character type

    • Expertise in British, Swiss, and global watch trends from the 1920s through to early 2000s

    • Access to a curated collection of loanable vintage watches

    Character-Specific Styling

    • Consultancy on watch choices that reflect personality traits, profession, wealth, and taste

    • Options for hero pieces, background props, or recurring character continuity

    • Advice on how to wear, frame, and feature the watch on-screen for realism

    Flexible Loan Options

    • Short-term and extended loan periods available

    • Fully insured watch supply with delivery and collection options

    • Contracts tailored to production budgets and timelines

    On-Set Support (Optional)

    • On-location advisory for dressing scenes and handling high-value pieces

    • Ensuring timepieces are worn accurately (era-correct wrists, straps, and fits)

  • I collaborate with stylists, creative directors, and production teams to provide watches for fashion editorials, commercial shoots, and brand campaigns. A well-chosen watch adds narrative, texture, and timeless appeal to any look — from minimalist chic to bold retro.

    Style-Led Watch Curation

    • Sourcing watches that complement garments, colour palettes, and shoot themes

    • Pieces that evoke elegance, rebellion, nostalgia, or statement luxury

    • Suitable for high fashion, lifestyle, vintage, and contemporary aesthetics

    Watch Loans for Shoots

    • Flexible access to a curated collection of watches

    • Short-term or multi-day loan agreements

    • Fully insured and packaged for secure delivery and return

    Creative Collaboration

    • Consultancy on matching watches to styling mood boards or art direction

    • Watch pairing for editorial features, lookbooks, or campaign storytelling

    • Input from concept development to final execution

    Why It Matters
    In both screen and print, the smallest detail tells the biggest story. A watch isn’t just an accessory — it’s a signal of identity, era, and intent. My consultancy ensures the watches you feature enhance your creative vision and elevate your final result.

Our Services

Book your free 30-minute initial consultation today. This first session is complimentary. This is your chance to explore how we can support your business with expert watch advice.